You may be sitting there asking yourself “How can I achieve my dreams and goals? I here?” and the reality is that if you don’t have a compelling answer, you may not be able to.

Toastmasters, if you work the programme, will help you become the best version of yourself.

Effective leaders inspire movements that exist only when people choose to move in the same direction. Without a leader, movements fragment and get nowhere. The leader’s job is to inspire good people to work together in the service of something greater than themselves.

Unfortunately, there are a great many bosses out there leading companies, and not enough leaders. The title of “boss” only signifies power over others. To be called a leader, you must inspire your team through your actions and words to believe in a common vision. The mark of a true leader is the ability to encourage their team commitment and engagement that is the foundation for continued success. To start leading and stop bossing, emulate the habits of inspiring leaders and practice these habits on the Toastmaster platform.

You may only be the “boss” of yourself or your family and yet the same principles apply. You may be the “boss” of a small team, a large team or a huge corporation. Your decision is whether you want to be a boss or develop and hone the skills and become an inspirational leader.

There are seven characteristics of being an inspirational leader and the Toastmaster programme can give you the opportunity to practice these seven characteristics and get constructive feedback on how to improve.

They express positivity. Inspiring leaders can find the bright side of any issue. They know that doom and gloom accomplishes nothing. Of course, challenges happen and troubleshooting is inevitable. But if you want to be a truly inspirational, show others the silver lining.

They are grateful to their team. Nothing drains commitment from a person than if they feel like their efforts go unnoticed. Even small gestures of gratitude show people that they matter.

They have a vision for the future. Martin Luther king Jr’s “ I Have a Dream” speech is a great example of this. Inspirational leaders know what the preferred future looks like.

They listen. Remember that hearing is not the same as listening. Inspirational leaders truly listen to what is said to them and respond appropriately. They welcome conversation.

Inspirational leaders take time and effort when communicating making sure that everyone is on board before moving forward. When communication is misunderstood, feelings are hurt, things go wrong and frustrations mount.

Integrity is a key element of an inspirational leader. Leaders inspire others to follow them by telling the truth and being integral with their word. When people take pride in their leadership, inspiration follows close behind.

Enthusiasm and passion are the final ingredients for becoming an inspirational leader. Keep your vision in the forefront of your mind. Your passion will remind yourself and those you wish to lead of the why.

Learning to become an inspirational leader is one of the compelling reasons that you should join a Toastmasters Club and utilise this platform to learn and hone your skills to achieve your dreams and goals.

How can you afford not to?